Router = LAN + WAN functions?

[!!tio!!]

Now I am gonna to get a router...
thats about $120 US dollars 4 ports (LAN) + 1 port (WAN - for cable modem) + 1 Parellel port for printer
Do you think this can perform the following functions

1, share internet
2, share files - networking neighbourhood
3, enable NETWORK! Like able to play NET games such as rogue spear and CS.
4, share printer - do we install the printer driver? And then does a PC has a tickbox called 'printer via network'
5, Since WinXP is so easy that it detects n install stuff for u, would Win ME/Win 98 do the same thing... if not, what sort of stuff do i need to set/install in order to acheive the stuff above...?

Thanks Alot :D Merry XMAS!

[Kingslayer]

1, share internet

Yes. This is what it is designed to do.

2, share files - networking neighbourhood

Yes. You will be setting up your own home network and this is but one of the benefits.

3, enable NETWORK! Like able to play NET games such as rogue spear and CS.

Yep. The only thing that may stop you is that some of these games wont work if they detect the same game using the same serial number. But if you are following the companies License Agreement, it should work just fine. And no Lag!

4, share printer - do we install the printer driver? And then does a PC has a tickbox called 'printer via network'

You can share a printer. If that router has a print server built in, then all you need to do is install the printer on each machine as a network printer. It will assign the printer it's own IP address and you will still need to install that printers drivers on the local machines.

5, Since WinXP is so easy that it detects n install stuff for u, would Win ME/Win 98 do the same thing... if not, what sort of stuff do i need to set/install in order to acheive the stuff above...?

No. ME and 98 wont detect network things such as network printers like XP does. You will need to ensure that you have a NIC installed. And the proper protocols installed for this network. You should only need TCP/IP. If you set up your router to be a DCHP server it will automatically assign your computer is own IP address upon boot. They only thing that you need in your Network properties is Client for Microsoft Networks, the NIC, and TCP/IP protocol. Then click on TCP/IP and go to properties and set everything there for DHCP. Same with Internet Explorer.

[!!tio!!]

quote:
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4, share printer - do we install the printer driver? And then does a PC has a tickbox called 'printer via network'
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You can share a printer. If that router has a print server built in, then all you need to do is install the printer on each machine as a network printer. It will assign the printer it's own IP address and you will still need to install that printers drivers on the local machines.


quote:
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5, Since WinXP is so easy that it detects n install stuff for u, would Win ME/Win 98 do the same thing... if not, what sort of stuff do i need to set/install in order to acheive the stuff above...?
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No. ME and 98 wont detect network things such as network printers like XP does. You will need to ensure that you have a NIC installed. And the proper protocols installed for this network. You should only need TCP/IP. If you set up your router to be a DCHP server it will automatically assign your computer is own IP address upon boot. They only thing that you need in your Network properties is Client for Microsoft Networks, the NIC, and TCP/IP protocol. Then click on TCP/IP and go to properties and set everything there for DHCP. Same with Internet Explorer.

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for no. 4
you mean you have to type in your own IP address into the printer... I saw soem printer with network functions... wat r those??

for no. 5
YOu need winipfig (wat ever.... IP Configuration)

[e_storm]

#4
I have no problems printing on my network (which is on a Linksys 4 port router). I don't think mine is setup as a "network printer" though, its just a printer hooked up to one of the computers, which has to be on to be able to print. As long as that one computer is on, you can send print jobs from any computers on the network. I think the only thing required is to check the "enable printer sharing" box in the network settings on the computer with the printer on it.

[Kingslayer]

Yes, you can do it this way, but his router has a print server. Put the print load on it and off the local machines.